Influence of body size and coloration on the mate choice in striped stink bug (<i>Graphosoma lineatum </i>L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Female as well male mate choice has already been recognized in many insects. The traits responsible for the a striped stink bug ( Graphosoma lineatum L.) are not yet explored. This works concentrates on few possible bug. For this analysis free living copulating individuals single ones were collected. On two different locations animals collected and their body length, pronotum broadness coloration measured. No differences found all measured between control individuals, showing no preferences when choosing copulation partner. Results also show evidence of assortative mating, referring to length both sexes. All three seem have an influence Further experimental testing is needed fully excluded importance size